three-ring circus

American  

[three-ring] / ˈθriˌrɪŋ /

Or three-ringed circus

noun

1. a circus having three adjacent rings in which performances take place simultaneously.

2. something spectacular, tumultuous, entertaining, or full of confused action.

   Our family reunions are always three-ring circuses.

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three-ring circus British  

noun

1. a circus with three rings in which separate performances are carried on simultaneously

2. a situation of confusion, characterized by a bewildering variety of events or activities

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three-ring circus Idioms  

1. A situation of complete confusion, as in It was a three-ring circus, with the baby crying, the dog barking, both telephones ringing, and someone at the front door. This term alludes to a circus where three rings or arenas are featuring performances simultaneously. Perhaps invented by show business impresario P.T. Barnum, the term was extended to other confused situations by about 1900.

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Etymology

Origin of three-ring circus

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

The household in the 1970s was routinely described as a three-ring circus filled with rowdy kids, lost pets and haggard servants who often quit in frustration, saying Ethel was difficult to work for.

From Los Angeles Times

In the distance, the great white tent of a three-ring circus appeared on a small island.

From Literature

A onetime Cincinnati mayor and news anchor, his namesake TV show featured a three-ring circus of dysfunctional guests.

From Seattle Times

“They just watch the three-ring circus play out.”

From New York Times

But by Tuesday the fever had broken — at least enough so that Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show could take up residence, center stage, in the three-ring circus of disharmony that captures most people's attention.

From Salon

Related Words

• circus